coincidental

adjective

co·​in·​ci·​den·​tal (ˌ)kō-ˌin(t)-sə-ˈden-tᵊl How to pronounce coincidental (audio)
1
: resulting from a coincidence
a coincidental resemblance
2
: occurring or existing at the same time
coincidental deaths

Examples of coincidental in a Sentence

The fact that he and his boss went to the same college was purely coincidental. the nearly coincidental deaths of Princess Diana and Mother Teresa
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
That all of this began in Utah may not be entirely coincidental. Seth Abramovitch, HollywoodReporter, 17 Oct. 2025 This could manifest as a coincidental meeting that develops into a meaningful connection, or a creative idea that comes to mind during a conversation. Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 14 Oct. 2025 Ultimately, the credibility of mutual defense in the Gulf will depend less on paper promises and more on whether allies can lock in coincidental interests, embed real commitments, and remove ambiguity. Omar Al-Ubaydli, semafor.com, 8 Oct. 2025 These evocations of the iconography of October 7th may or may not be coincidental, but the language and imagery take on an additional charge when considered alongside Harwicz’s public statements on the war in Gaza. Jessica Winter, New Yorker, 8 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for coincidental

Word History

Etymology

coincident + -al entry 1

First Known Use

circa 1800, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of coincidental was circa 1800

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Coincidental.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/coincidental. Accessed 30 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

coincidental

adjective
co·​in·​ci·​den·​tal (ˌ)kō-ˌin(t)-sə-ˈdent-ᵊl How to pronounce coincidental (audio)
1
: resulting from a coincidence
a coincidental resemblance
2
: occurring or existing at the same time
coincidentally
-ˈdent-lē
-ᵊl-ē
adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on coincidental

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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